take up your cross the savior said.”

but what cross shall we take?

take up your cross — the light cross of

juvenile piety that follows the rules of the herd?

the lighter cross of religion

take up your cross — faith a better

method of agriculture, or business.

how about the cross of moralism

don’t live like you or love like you

seeking to oppress in the name God.

light crosses all, all unworthy of him who

touched the leaper, and ate and drank

wit sinners who turned water into wine and

cleansed the temple. he who did these things

walked humbly with outcast and sinner

take up your cross he says today

take up your cross in solidarity

with the poor. do not preach but listen

walk with the powerless, walking

place your best efforts at their service   

only their need as your only guide

do this and you shall have struggle

aplenty, disapproval, and slander.

aye, all that and more. but you will

indeed carry a cross worthy of him

who came not to be served but to serve

and he will walk with you